Description
Amish Friendship Bread is a sweet, moist, and tender quick bread with a rich cinnamon and vanilla flavor, made from a unique starter that adds depth and a delightful texture. This recipe produces two loaves, perfect for sharing or storing for later enjoyment. The bread is known for its distinct flavor from the combination of cinnamon, vanilla pudding mix, and the traditional Amish starter, making it a comforting treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Starter Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
- 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 cup Amish Friendship Bread starter
Batter
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (5.1 ounces)
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Starter: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, warm milk at about 110°F (43°C), and active dry yeast. Add 1 cup of Amish Friendship Bread starter to this mixture. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients into a smooth starter dough. Cover and let it ferment at room temperature until bubbly and doubled in size, usually 24 hours or as per your starter’s instructions.
- Mix the Batter: In another large bowl, beat 3 eggs thoroughly. Add 1 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until combined. Then add 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and the entire box of instant vanilla pudding mix. Blend all ingredients well to form a consistent batter.
- Incorporate the Starter: Once the starter is ready, blend it into the batter mixture. Stir carefully to combine the starter evenly into the batter without deflating the yeast bubbles.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two loaf pans or line them with parchment paper. Pour the batter evenly into the pans.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the batter in each loaf pan to create a flavorful crust once baked.
- Bake the Bread: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delicious Amish Friendship Bread!
Notes
- The Amish Friendship Bread starter is crucial to this recipe; if you don’t have one, consider making or obtaining a starter a few days in advance.
- Make sure the milk used for the starter is warm but not hot to activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can store the finished bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
- For variations, consider adding nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
- This recipe produces two loaves, which is perfect for sharing with friends or gifting, keeping with the traditional friendship bread ethos.